While many public figures earned praise for imaginative Halloween getups this season, a handful of high-profile costumes triggered immediate public backlash for referencing real-world tragedies and historical violence. Several celebrities who initially shared their outfits on Instagram ultimately removed the posts following sharp criticism from commenters.
Among those facing negative reactions was actor Jessica Alba, who shared a photo carousel on November 1 dressed as former American figure skating star Nancy Kerrigan. Alba wore a white lace skating dress alongside a bloody bandage on her knee, while a companion dressed as Tonya Harding and posed holding a baseball bat. The costumes directly invoked the 1994 attack on Kerrigan, who was struck on the knee with a police baton prior to the Winter Olympics in an assault orchestrated by individuals connected to Harding. Alba captioned the post, “Happy Halloween from Tonya … and Nancy.” Social media users quickly condemned the post as immature and insensitive, prompting Alba to delete the images.
Television personality Martha Stewart also drew intense criticism for an October 31 costume in which she dressed as an unhoused person. Stewart wore tattered garments and dirt-simulating makeup while holding a clipboard bearing the message, “I am hungry. Help me!!” Following negative reactions online, Stewart issued a statement on November 1 through a representative, explaining that the outfit was meant to draw attention to homelessness. She stated that she was distressed the costume had offended people and emphasized her ongoing support for charities combating homelessness. Stewart later posted an additional message on Instagram acknowledging that her initial response was inadequate.
Reality television personality McCall DaPron faced similar online condemnation after dressing as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy alongside her husband and four children in an homage to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. DaPron shared the family photo on October 30 wearing a pink suit mirroring Kennedy’s attire on the day of the 1963 assassination. After commenters criticized the choice as distasteful and appalling, DaPron disabled comments before deleting the post entirely.
The controversy echoed similar public criticism directed at actor Julia Fox, who previously dressed as the former first lady in a bloodied pink suit. Fox had defended her outfit as a statement on bravery and protest rather than a traditional costume, arguing that Kennedy’s refusal to change clothes served as an act of resistance against brutality.
